BUSINESS BRIEFS:Rockland Leadership Change, Boston Chamber Warns, Suds and Suds in Milford, Dean Does Good, and more

Above, new Rockland CEO Jeffrey J. Tengel.

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The chamber serves the communities of Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Milford, Mendon, Millis, and Upton. More information is available at https://www.tricountychamberma.org

New Rockland Leader

Rockland Trust Company and its bank holding company parent Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: INDB) today announced the appointment of Jeffrey J. Tengel as the successor to current Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Oddleifson, effective on or about February 6, 2023. Oddleifson has served as the Bank’s CEO since 2003. Under his leadership, Rockland Trust has grown total assets from just over $2 billion to nearly $20 billion and expanded from its southeastern Massachusetts roots to a bank with over 120 retail branches, commercial and residential lending centers, and investment management offices. The appointment of Tengel is the culmination of a thoughtful, thorough CEO succession planning process that involved a nationwide search. A special committee of the Board, comprised of independent directors, oversaw CEO succession planning, assisted by a preeminent leadership consulting firm. Following Tengel’s formal appointment as CEO, Oddleifson will remain with Rockland Trust in an executive advisory role until the end of 2023.

Boston Chamber warns on State Challenges

As remote work gives some Massachusetts workers the opportunity to move out of state, and high housing costs and transportation woes drive others out, Boston businesses are calling for a statewide housing plan, new MBTA leadership and greater government support for apprenticeship programs. During his State of the Business address, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James Rooney outlined the group's agenda as a new Legislature and gubernatorial administration get their wheels turning. "Other cities and states are proactively and aggressively working to attract talent, build businesses, and create industries. If we are being honest, they are working harder and with greater focus than we are," he said. "To compete and to win, Massachusetts must be a place where employers and employees want to be and feel welcome."

Milford: Brewer to add Cans, New Car Wash Coming

In a report on the health of local brewers in the region, Worcester Business Journal talked to CraftRoots Brewing in Milford. The comapny reports said they plan to continue emphasizing environmentally friendly quart glass bottles, but will also be moving into canned beer.

Meanwhile, Milford Patch reports that a local developer hopes to build a new car wash at a South Main Street shopping plaza, according to plans submitted to the town. New York Capital Investment Group LLC is seeking permission from the Zoning Board of Appeals to build a small, automated car wash at 146 South Main Street, near Planet Fitness and Big Lots.

Dean Bank’s Monthly Do-Good List

Each month select members of the Dean Bank team are given $100 each to donate to a charity that matters to them, and by April every employee will have selected a charity. A sampling of recent donations follows:

Michael Browne, SVP, Chief Information Officer – Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts
Debra Demers, Teller – CMT Research Foundation
Karyssa Forget, Sr. Universal Banker – NBA Rescue
Kayla Gagnon, AVP, Branch Officer – Friends of Attleboro Animal Shelter (FAAS)
Claire Jandrue-Surbey, Mortgage Closing Coordinator – St. Gabriel Giving Tree
Stacia Lariviere, Universal Banker I – Blackstone Valley Community Concert Band

"Working Places" Effort Targets Small Cities, Rural Areas

.The region's highly skilled and educated workforce and the presence of leading health care, higher education and technology organizations here position New England well for the future, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said at a conference earlier this month. But slowing population growth and labor challenges exacerbated by changes in the ways people work will mean that New England needs to bolster the economies of rural areas and small cities if it is to continue to thrive.

How to Retain Top Employees, Including Millennials & GenZs; 

Friday Mar. 3

Leads & Lunch, formerly known as MACC Match is held once a month at a local restaurant where you'll enjoy an informal lunch and meet fellow members and guests. These lunchtime learning sessions offer education, development, and an opportunity to network and connect. 
More information at https://www.tricountychamberma.org/events#!event/2023/3/3/how-to-retain-top-employees-including-millennials-genzs